There's a lot to love about Sono Japanese Restaurant at Portside Wharf — from the artfully plated food and impeccable service to the sleek and minimalistic interiors and those uninterrupted river views.
From the moment you remove your shoes to take a seat at one of the sunken tables by the window, you'll be immersed in the modern Japanese dining experience. In fact, if not for that view of the Brisbane River, it would be easy to forget you are in Australia.
The a la carte menu can most accurately be described as 'epic'. The vast range of choices includes sashimi and sushi; starters such as crispy deep fried Japanese tofu or edamame sprinkled with salt; everyone's favourite pork Gyoza; main meals such as black cod Saikyo Yaki (Grilled NZ black cod marinated in Saikyo miso sauce) and salmon teriyaki; and a whole host of side dishes, hot pots, and desserts.
If teppanyaki is your thing, you're in luck. Located in the centre of the restaurant is a large teppanyaki bar where you can watch and learn as your food is cooked before your very eyes.
But if all of these choices sound too much, you can skip straight for the six-course tasting menu. By the time you're working your way through the delicate appetiser platter of fresh oysters, Hokkaido scallops and seared Wagyu, you'll know it was money well spent.
The other courses include melt-in-the-mouth tuna and salmon sashimi and king fish carpaccio; fresh crab croquettes; chef's selection of sushi; a choice of either Wagyu sirloin with garlic soy jus, duck breast with teriyaki orange sauce or black cod with saikyo miso sauce; and the chef's selection of dessert. The wine and sake is expertly matched to complement your chosen dishes and your knowledgeable sommelier will talk you through these tipples as they are served.
If you're after some of the best Japanese eats in Brisbane, Sono should be high on your list of places to visit.
Images: Vincent Lie Photography.